Fitting showers in the bathroom: A guide

The proper installation of shower units is an important part of bathroom design. If your tray and enclosure aren't fitted correctly, then you may experience cracks, leaks and water damage in your home. In this guide, we'll show you how to install a completely new shower in your bathroom without having to resort to professional help.

Installing the shower tray or enclosure

Points to consider
A leaking tray is one of the most common consumer complaints with baths and showers.
Frequently, badly installed shower trays will crack and cause home water damage. When buying your shower tray, first check for any faults.
Suppliers will not generally accept returns on these items once they have been installed.
Be sure to position the tray right against the wall to aid with the sealing process. Tips
Adjust the feet to give enough clearance for the waste pipes.
Use a spirit level to further adjust the show tray and make sure that water runs toward the drain.
Standing water will lead to cracks, slips and leaks over time.
Finally, seal in the tray with a quality silicone sealant.

Installing the enclosure

How to install?
When installing shower doors, make sure that your panels conform to BS6206.
This will ensure that they are tough and shatter resistant.
Try to install support posts before any tiling jobs and seal the enclosure with silicone sealant. Look out for modular designs which will clip to your shower tray, making for a quicker assembly job.

Installing the shower unit

Shower units
There are lots of different types of showers, from simple t-joint, hot, cold, mixing showers to electrical power showers.
The type you choose will be down to your budget and the type of hot water heating system that you have in your house.
UK plumbing shops like the bath shop will be able to suggest the best unit for your needs. When you're installing any parts, be sure to cover the enclosure and shower tray with dust sheeting.
Fallen grit or tile dust can scratch the delicate plastic which again, will lead to cracks and a difficult cleaning job! If you intend to fit the shower on your own, you'll need a pipe cutter, the shower kit, PTFE tape and a tange of wrenches.
The shower should be installed after tiling has taken place so be sure that you have the correct attachments for your drill.
Final word
If you have low water pressure or are installing an upstairs shower, you may need to install either a separate or integrated pump.
This should be taken into consideration before you start the job, so be sure to seek professional advice if you are not sure.